In modern society there is a heavy emphasis on acquiring wealth, often taking precedence over morality. This conflict between ethics and desire is presented in the short story, The Brass Teapot, by Tim Macy. Macy is very skilled at provoking thought and introspection with stories focused on how our circumstances and characteristics influence decisions. Throughout life every individual will be placed in situations in which their morals and self-control are tested. Every person has dreams that they wish to make into their reality. A point in time typically comes in a person’s lifetime where their dreams will be in sight, but sacrifices must be made to reach them. Macy brings the conflict of obtaining what people so desperately strive for and…show more content… To attain this ideal life she has in mind, she is willing to make great sacrifices of any kind. “As she handed the girl her suitcase, Alice banged it into her daughter’s still sensitive shin. She howled and hobbled about for a few moments while her mother apologized over the promising sound of sprinkling quarters.”(Macy 12). People have dreams in life that they desperately wish to make their reality. More often than not, wealth is required to attain this ideal life. Society places pressure on people to live the quintessential life that is portrayed in media, which influences the mindset and desires of the people. This pressure can often put people in the mindset that money is main thing a person must acquire to be successful. This mindset can lead to obsession with wealth and greed will take hold of the mind, resulting in questionable actions to acquire…show more content… She owns a roadside antique stand where she sells old, heavy iron mementos and enchanted items. “John couldn’t help staring at the woman's black toes, as if she had once suffered frostbite.” (Macy 1). In life there are people that one may come across that appear innocent or nonthreatening, but underneath the surface is a serious danger. Placing trust in the unknown can have its benefits, but it can also have harsh consequences. One must be cautious when approached by people or things unknown, because true intent is never known. Polite gestures are not always done out of care, sometimes they can be done simply to gain trust and as a result the underlying motives can be more easily enacted.
The story of the old woman is very brief but her purpose is vital to the events that take place. Without her presence on the side of the road, John and Alice never would have received the brass teapot. She was seemingly waiting for John and Alice, the financially struggling couple was destined to receive the gift the old woman had in store for them. The story begins on the roadside; however, the mainstay of the tale is located in the couple’s recently overhauled home. The home in our society is typically the main symbol of status, the most demonstrative way to show one’s
